In a perfect world, Broncos executive John Elway would hoist the Super Bowl trophy and proclaim: “This one’s for Pat.”

The Hall of Fame quarterback, who led the Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances and won them in his final two seasons, soon could be reunited with owner Pat Bowlen and the franchise in an official capacity, although that role, and its scope, has not yet been defined.

One job Elway will not hold — head coach.

Bowlen and Elway did have dinner on Monday evening just hours after Josh McDaniels was fired, and they discussed the possibility of Elway joining the Broncos on a full-time basis. No firm offer was made, or specific job determined at the time, though. Several different potential scenarios were talked about as the two did a high-five twice at Elway’s restaurant in Cherry Creek.

Chief operating officer Joe Ellis told me Wednesday evening that he’s “had two very good conversations with John, and I know he genuinely is very passionate about helping the Broncos and Pat in any way he can. We’re only in the preliminary stages, and, truthfully, we don’t know where it will lead.”

Elway confirmed the details Wednesday night from California. “That’s all true. I’m passionate about the Broncos, their fans, the people of Colorado. I love the game of football, and I’d like to have the opportunity to get back in it. I want to do whatever I can for Pat and his legacy, after all he did for me in my career.

“I don’t know what the situation is right now, and where Pat’s going. It’s too early. I’ve gotten more involved on the business and marketing side, and I went to several practices and talked with the players, and I’ve enjoyed it. It’s important to do what’s best for the Broncos. If it’s right for everybody, I’d love to be a part of it. I think I have a lot to contribute.”

Clearly, the Broncos need Elway’s help in restoring the franchise’s respect and trust.

On Nov. 30 in this column, I quoted a source as saying Elway “would accept an offer to rejoin the Broncos in a full-time executive position.” On the day of his 50th birthday in June, Elway acknowledged he had been asked to serve the Broncos this season in an unofficial consulting capacity. He also said he hoped someday to be a minority partner in the franchise’s ownership.

When Elway was in the final years of his career, he was offered 5 percent of the franchise. Elway decided against buying in, but became co-owner, with Bowlen and Stan Kroenke, of the Arena Football League’s Colorado Crush, which won a championship before the league suspended business.

Elway was a hands-on owner, running every aspect of the organization. He had become interested in scouting and sat for hours with his father, the late Jack Elway, who had been a prominent college coach before becoming the Broncos’ director of scouting. John coached his son, Jack, in his final season as a quarterback at Cherry Creek. Elway owned several successful car dealerships in the Denver area before selling them to a national company. “I’m in several businesses, but if I got more involved with the Broncos, that would be my full-time job,” he said.

Ellis said in his Tuesday news conference that the Broncos will be changing their line of authority. No longer will the coach have full control of the football operations, as Dan Reeves, Mike Shanahan and McDaniels did.

So there are several options for Bowlen and Ellis if Elway is hired.

With Ellis firmly in place as COO, as he should be, Elway could become the vice president of football operations, aid in the selection of a general manager, then a coach, and act as a liaison between Bowlen and Ellis.

He could be named executive VP — advising on both business and football affairs, and being out front as the club’s voice to the fans and the media, particularly as the Broncos try to rebuild trust and confidence lost in the past several years. He probably could get the no-shows to show again.

He might be the general manager with personnel power over the coach. Or he could be a roving executive working in all facets of the franchise.

One task Elway definitely would have is becoming a mentor to young quarterbacks Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn.

Much has changed in the NFL since Elway left the game. He once was the league’s highest-paid player at $1 million a year, then $5 million per. As McDaniels texted me before this season, quarterback Kyle Orton’s new contract for next season included “only $5 million,” chump change among today’s quarterbacks.

Bowlen once held up the Lombardi Trophy and bellowed: “This one’s for John.”

John would like to return the trophy and the deafening roar to the Broncos, Orange Madness to Denver and the shout-out to Pat.

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